Reno Gazette-Journal sports writer Chris Murray breaks down the Wolf Pack basketball team's game against Idaho with three keys to victory and his prediction.

Rhode Island (1-0) at Nevada (1-0)

When: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

Where: Lawlor Events Center (capacity 11,536)

TV/Radio: ESPNU/94.5 FM

Online: ESPN3.com

Betting line: Pick’em

Three keys for Nevada to win

1. Better ball movement: Rhode Island had one of the nation’s best defenses last season, holding opponents to 40.6 percent shooting, 28th best in the NCAA. The Rams did lose their two best interior defenders – Hassan Martin and Kuran Iverson, who combined for 118 blocks last season – so the defense probably won’t be quite as sharp this season, but Rhode Island is a strong defensive team that will test Nevada's talented offensive players. The Wolf Pack was somewhat reliant on isolation in the half-court on its season opener and will have to be crisper with its ball movement against one of the better defenses it will face this season.

2. Win the board battle: These two teams are awfully similar in construction. Both are really good in the backcourt and on the wings but relatively small up front. Nevada was out-rebounded in its season opener (by five) and Rhode Island only had a one-board edge while showing some vulnerability on the defensive glass. Both teams are likely to play four guards for most of the game, so the team that’s quicker on the backboard will have the big edge. Nevada's Jordan Caroline, in particular, could have a big game on the glass. He’s an excellent offensive rebounder, and the Rams don’t have the size to deal with his explosiveness.

3. Find a late-game option: One of the big questions for Nevada this season is, “Who’s going to be the Wolf Pack’s go-to player in crunch time with the game on the line?” Nevada went to Marcus Marshall and Cameron Oliver in the pick-and-roll late in close games last season, but they’re both gone. The Wolf Pack’s opener against Idaho wasn’t close at the end, so we didn’t get a look at where coach Eric Musselman wants to go in late-game situations. The matcup with Rhode Island should be much more tightly contested in the final minutes, with the Rams’ finisher, E.C. Matthews, back for his senior season.

Prediction

Rhode Island 80, Nevada 77: This game will be vitally important for both teams come Selection Sunday as it pits two of the nation’s best mid-majors against each other. Both teams are receiving votes in the Top 25 and could use this win to launch them into the national rankings. They’re mirror images of each other, with Nevada being a touch larger across the board. The Wolf Pack also has the home-court advantage, which is big considering Nevada is 30-4 at Lawlor Events Center under Musselman. Throw in Rhode Island having to travel cross-country and playing with an 11:30 p.m. tipoff on their body clocks, and there’s some intangible things that favor the Wolf Pack. Rhode Island has kept a key player, Stanford Robinson, active despite a recent arrest on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and simple assault. Robinson led Rhode Island in scoring in the Rams' season opener and as long as he plays, I'll give them a small edge. Rhode Island did lose two key pieces, but this is a veteran team that has played together for a while and won an NCAA Tournament game last season. With Nevada still fitting its pieces together, I’ll take Rhode Island by a 3-pointer. Season record: 1-0